Armed Citizen Shoots Suspect that Drew Airsoft Pistol on Employee at O’Reilly Auto Parts

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TERRE HAUTE, IN — A legally armed citizen stepped in to defend an O’Reilly Auto Parts employee after a suspect, armed with what appeared to be a handgun, threatened the worker on the evening of March 6, 2025. The confrontation ended with the suspect being shot multiple times and later found to be wielding an airsoft pistol.

According to the Terre Haute Police Department, officers responded just after 8:00 PM to a report of shots fired at the auto parts store in the 1900 block of South 3rd Street. Their investigation revealed that the suspect had initially arrived at the business to dispute a recent trespass order. After being asked to leave, the suspect refused, escalating into a brief physical altercation with an employee.

Following the altercation, the suspect returned to their vehicle, retrieved what was believed to be a firearm, and pointed it at the employee. At that moment, a bystander who was legally carrying a firearm intervened, shooting the suspect multiple times. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle driven by a family member but was later located at a local hospital. Due to the severity of the injuries, they were transferred to an Indianapolis-area hospital, where they remain in stable condition.

Further investigation determined that the weapon used by the suspect was an airsoft pistol, which closely resembled a real firearm. Terre Haute Police detectives and the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office are continuing to investigate the incident.

Lessons in Self-Defense

This incident demonstrates the importance of being prepared to act in a life-threatening situation. The armed citizen recognized an imminent threat when the suspect pointed what appeared to be a firearm at the employee and took decisive action to stop the attack.

For responsible gun owners, this serves as a reminder of the value of situational awareness and the ability to respond under pressure. Training regularly, understanding self-defense laws, and being prepared to protect yourself and others when necessary are key components of responsible firearm ownership.